When you take a tree that is rooted in the ground, and transfer it from one place to another, the tree will no longer bear fruit. And if it does, the fruit will not be as good as it was… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I feel like a tree. A tree doesn't feel a duty to start doing something about the earth from which it comes. A tree just has to bear fruit, and leaves and blossoms. It doesn't feel grateful to the earth. — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I think violence can never be justified. At the same time, nobody’s culture or beliefs should be insulted, that’s not something I can accept… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I would say that no film is apolitical. There are politics in all films. Any film that is anchored in a society, any film… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
In real life, when someone's partner calls them, they can tell from the first word their partner says what their mood is. — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I don't have very complete scripts for my films. I have a general outline and a character in my mind, and I make no… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
This was pointed out to me by somebody who referred to the paintings of Rembrandt and his use of light: some elements are highlighted… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
A work of art doesn't exist outside the perception of the audience. — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I would be too selfish if I said everyone should see my movies more than once. To say that would mean I'm just marketing… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
Unfortunately, cinema critics are very few in America, 400-500 people, but there are more critics of Iran. — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
Usually when I take my films to festivals, I feel incredibly anxious about them. I wonder how it will be received, how the audience… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
My car's my best friend. My office. My home. My location. I have a very intimate sense when I am in a car with… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
It was a film that I knew, that I had seen, that I was familiar with, but I wasn't anxious about it at any… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image
I never intended to write poems, nor to be a photographer, nor to be a film-maker. I just took many, many pictures and I… — Abbas Kiarostami Copy Share Image